K&L cares about the security of your credit card and personal information. We detected that your browser and/or operating system is not compliant with current credit card security protocols. Please click this message for more information.

K&L cares about the security of your credit card and personal information. We detected that your browser and/or operating system is not compliant with current credit card security protocols. Please upgrade your browser and/or operating system. Your browser and operating system need to support industry standard transport security protocol TLS version 1.2. Alternatively, contact K&L and we can help you with your order.

2005 Santa Rita "Triple C" Red Maipo Valley (Previously $60)

SKU #1061288

92 points Wine Enthusiast: "In the three vintages we’ve tasted this blend of Cabernet Franc, Cab Sauvignon and Carmenère, it has never slipped below 90 points. This 2005 version is the best yet; it has fine oak up front, with fresh berry aromas lurking below. The palate is sly, sexy and whole, with flavors of plum, cassis and leather. Secure on the finish, and overall there are no faults to be found. Drink now or hold for another couple of years." (May 2009) 92 points from Wine & Spirits: "Blending cabernet sauvignon, carmenère and cabernet franc (the three c's of the name), this red combines exuberant, ripe black fruit with herbal notes and the menthol typical of Alto Maipo. The texture is opulent and firm, setting the wine up for a tremendous future. Even so, it's seductive now with slow-cooked venison." (Feb 2009) 90 points from International Wine Cellar: "Inky ruby. Powerfully scented aromas of cherry liqueur, dark chocolate and smoked meat are a bit brooding initially but gain energy with air. Deep, sweet dark berry flavors coat the palate, framed by velvety tannins. The smoky note repeats on the finish, which is broad, gently sweet and very long. This needs a hunk of grilled meat." (Mar/Apr 2009)

Product Reviews:

Thick, rich and delicious. The wine doesn't lack in classic varietal character. It is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and carmenere. The carm really comes forward adding a nice brushy floral aroma to the deep cassis and blackberry flavors provided by the cab sauv. The wine is extremely fleshy with supple tannins and being from Chile, there is a classic note of sage and smoked paprika which only lend complexity. At half it's original price, this is a terrific Bordeaux blend for any red wine drinker.

Additional Information:

Varietal:

Cabernet Sauvignon and Blends

- Cabernet Sauvignon has come a long way from its role as a blending varietal, however dominant, in the wines of Bordeaux. Today it is the most planted red varietal in the world. Identified as a descendent of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, the late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon needs to be planted in warmer climates to fully ripen. Its small berries can easily be identified for their distinctive blue color, thick skins and high tannins. And while the varietal has its own definitive characteristics: green pepper-like aromas and black currant flavors among them, it is perhaps most prized for its ability to convey terroir, vintage and winemaking.
A relatively new varietal, Cabernet Sauvignon started making inroads into the wines of the Médoc and Graves in the late-18th century. Today it is also dominant in the up-and-coming Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux and can also be found in Southwest France. It is the companion varietal to Sangiovese in Italy's Super Tuscans and is planted all over Europe, stretching to lesser-known winegrowing regions like Russia and Lebanon. In the Americas Cabernet Sauvignon has found champions in every nook and cranny of California and among winemakers in Washington, where it complements plantings of Merlot. In South America, Cab thrives in Chile, but can also be found in smaller amounts in Argentina and even in Mexico.

Country:

Chile

- Located on the western coast of South America and bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes to the East, the Chilean wine-growing climate is similar to that of California's Napa Valley and Bordeaux. The Chilean wine industry is known for being consistently free of phylloxera, but political and economic unrest has brought its own source of disorder. The recent establishment of a free market has resuscitated the wine industry, and significant investments have been made, switching the economic focus from domestic production to exports. Chile produces roughly a quarter of the wine Argentina produces, and is known for single-varietal exports, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. It's a popular region in the U.S. known for inexpensive and tasty wine. Click for a list of bestselling items from Chile.